- Starting a Research Project

The Translational and Molecular Imaging Institute (TMII) Imaging Core resources are available to all qualified users.

New projects using TMII Imaging Core resources are initiated with a project proposal. All projects are reviewed and approved by the Imaging Resources Management Committee (IRMC) based on:

Feasibility of the research on existing resources

Availability of equipment

Scientific merit.

Ongoing resource time is based on user’s ability to secure funding and overall progress of work. TMII’s efforts to reduce the burden of starting a research project were designed to support the research of its users as effectively as possible.

For all new studies, a memorandum (template available at SOP105) from the TMII Director will be provided. The signed memo will need to be included in the Internal Documents tab of the InfoEd application.

Steps: For each new project the following steps (SOP101) will ensure expedited review and approval:

1) Consultation with technical director: Please consult with the applicable Technical Director to discuss the intended project, protocol feasibility, and any other technical or operational issues. When the study involves animal subjects, discussions with CCMS should also be initiated.

2) Regulatory and ethical approval (IRB/IACUC): Every project, including pilot studies, needs documented regulatory and ethical approval. Institutional Review Board (IRB) for human studies, or the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) for animal studies, must be demonstrated. A grants and contract office (GCO) number (http://icahn.mssm.edu/research/resources/grants-and-contract-office) must also be provided.

3) Project submission: Submissions for new projects are made through the TMII Imaging Core web-based resource management system (SOP101).

5) Kick-off meeting and/or scheduling: Once the project is approved, you will be able to use the TMII Imaging Core web-based calendar to schedule scanner time (url SOP103). Depending on the study, a brief kick-off meeting may be needed prior to the start of the study to review the finalized workflow with all related parties.